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Trader Joe's Founder to Chair Cost Plus

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cost Plus here said Joseph H. Coulombe, founder of Trader Joe's Markets, has been named non-executive chairman. He will succeed Frederic M. Roberts, whose term expires June 17.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cost Plus here said Joseph H. Coulombe, founder of Trader Joe's Markets, has been named non-executive chairman. He will succeed Frederic M. Roberts, whose term expires June 17.

Coulombe — the “Joe” of Trader Joe’s — was chief executive officer of Trader Joe's from 1957 until 1989. He was subsequently president and CEO of Sports Chalet; CEO of Provigo Corp.'s U.S. operations; and co-chairman of Thrifty Drugs. He has been a director of Cost Plus since 1995.

"I am confident [Coulombe's] extensive operating experience in the retail and consumer products industries will enable him to continue making significant contributions," said Cost Plus operates 263 specialty retail stores in 30 states.

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